Although it doesn't feel like it, summer is coming to a close.
Seriously, even though the sun still bakes the sidewalks and car interiors, it's setting earlier. And my kids start school on Monday, Aug. 23.
The original Woodstock Art and Music Fair took place in Bethel, N.Y., in August 1969.
I celebrated this week, which marks the festival's 41st anniversary, by listening to all my Woodstock CDs — the original motion picture soundtrack and its companion "Woodstock Two," and the six-CD box set "Woodstock: 40 on Back to Yasgur's Farm," all released by Warner Bros./Rhino Records.
Sunday evening after my wife, Tammy, went to bed, I watched the extended director's cut of the 1970 film "Woodstock."
Oh, and I threw in a couple of Blu-ray viewings of Ang Lee's "Taking Woodstock," which was based on the book by Elliott Tiber.
So between all that and my tie-dyes, it's been a hippie-trippie time in the Iwasaki household.
While it's been great letting my freak flag fly, I'm looking forward to the autumn.
The past couple of weeks, Tammy and I have been heading up Millcreek Canyon to hike and/or simply soak our weary feet in the crisp, ice-cold waters of Mill Creek.
During the hikes, we can't help but look around at the green oaks, maples and aspens and know that in a few weeks the leaves will be red, orange and yellow.
There are times when we actually have to stop hiking because the views are so vast and beautiful. There is a reverence we feel in nature.
While we drive out of the canyon, we always find quiet, music that fits the mood.
Acoustic guitarist Will Ackerman's "Imaginary Roads," "Sound of Wind Driven Rain," "Hearing Voices" and "Returning" are a must on the drive. And it's safe to say his piece "Driving," which features Charlie Bisharat playing the violin, is our favorite track.
It's like the music of that soul-tugging track leads us down the winding road, past the trees, meadows and wildflowers.
This summer we have been lucky to have seen a few deer who have bravely ventured to the lower elevations in the upper part of the canyon. In fact, one day last month we saw a fawn grazing just a few yards from the human-infested Millcreek Inn.
While I do look forward to autumn, I am doubly excited for my favorite season — winter. But I don't want to get ahead of myself and miss autumn altogether.
e-mail: scott@desnews.com